Discover the natural and cultural beauty of the Atlantic and Pacific of Panama on board the Discovery Expedition Cruise. This amazing journey will take you to the Darien National Park in search of amazing wildlife and for a cultural exchange with one of our distinct indigenous groups: the Emberas. We will also navigate the Pearl Island Archipelago and will have the unique experience of crossing the renowned Panama Canal. We will navigate through the Gatun Lake and the world-famous Chagres River while exploring the legendary trails of the of Pirates and Conquistadores that once fought in the Isthmus that changed the world.

2018 Departures: March 31st, April 30th, May 29th, June 5th, October 27th, November 27th. 2019 Departure: March 30th, April 30th, May 28th, June, 4th, October 26th, November 27th

HIGHLIGHTS

Explore Panama’s Highlights Cruising The Pacific and Atlantic Oceans

Expert Expedition Guide Onboard

Enjoy Excellent Crew Service

Taste Culinary Delights with Chef Onboard

PICK UP

At the Tocumen International Airport of Panama at the appropriate time for your international flight arrival. You will be returned for your departure flight.

Panama City - Contadora

Darien Jungle

Your journey will take you to the Darien jungle today, cruise up a river to meet your hosts for the day. Keep your eyes open along the way as the region offers abundant wildlife that is particularly active along the river’s edge. Visit with an Embera village. (B,L,D)

4

Pearl Islands: San Telmo & Mogo Mogo

Snorkel and swim in the waters of the Pearl Islands. The archipelago owes its name to the abundance of pearl oysters which supported a substantial fishery in the early 1900’s. (B,L,D)

5

Panama Canal Transit - Gatun Lake

Wake up at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal and join the morning’s ship convoy for our northbound canal passage traversing Miraflores Locks and Pedro Miguel Locks. You will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience up close the history and operation of this engineering marvel. Spend the night in Gatun Lake on Panama Canal waters. (B,L,D)

6

Panama Canal - Gatun Lake

Prior to the construction of the Panama Canal, the vast jungle area that is now the Gatun Lake was teeming with an overwhelming abundance of wildlife. As the region was flooded to create the lake, animals took refuge in the mountain peaks, which are now the many islands that dot the renowned lake. Explore Gatun Lake and kayak in Panama Canal waters. Your expedition leader will take you on board small crafts past lush rainforests to secluded areas of the lake to witness first-hand the splendor and excitement of the jungle. Exotic birds, monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and crocodiles are just a few of the animals that you could see in their native surroundings. The sights, sounds and scents that make up this beautiful, tropical jungle will engulf you. Cameras are a must as this is considered the world’s premier location for viewing monkeys and other animals in the wild. The Discovery will exit the Panama Canal in the afternoon on its way to the mouth of the Chagres River. (B,L,D)

7

Chagres River - Fort San Lorenzo

Experience the magnificent Chagres River which was used by the conquistadors to move their gold across the Isthmus of Panama en-route from Peru to Spain and by the gold prospectors who attempted a “short cut” from the US East coast to the gold fields of California. Explore Fort San Lorenzo which is located on a cliff at the mouth of the Chagres on the Atlantic. (B,L,D)

8

Portobelo - Caribbean

Wake up to a farewell breakfast before you disembark. Travel by motor coach to Portobelo and enjoy this town located on Caribbean waters which was founded by Christopher Columbus on his fourth voyage to the new continent in 1597. This quaint town is rich in history as it was the site of many sea and land battles between the Spanish colonials and the pirates and corsairs raiding the Spanish Main. Later in the afternoon, board the Panama Canal Railway train back to Panama City where your EcoCircuitos representative will be waiting for you to take you to your hotel. (B,L)

About Us

EcoCircuitos Panama is a locally owned tour operator and DMC committed to the development of sustainable tourism throughout the Republic of Panama since 1999.

We are a local team of enthusiasts about Panama and our vacation programs are designed based upon on our own discoveries. Our philosophy is to approach each destination carefully
We offer unique tailor made adventures. More...